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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
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Table of Contents
Purpose and Scope of this Guide. . . . . . . . . . . 7
Plan, Provide, Train. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Getting Started with Roofing Safety . . . . . . . 9
Fall Protection Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fall Protection Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Requirement to Provide
Fall Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Using a Personal Fall
Arrest System (PFAS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How to Set Up a Personal
Fall Arrest System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Rescue of Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using a Fall Restraint System. . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using a Guardrail System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Warning Lines and Safety Monitors. . . . . . . 16
Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
All Ladders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Worker Position on a Ladder . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Extension Ladders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Stepladders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Scaffolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Guardrails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Falling Object Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Aerial Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
All-Terrain Forklifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Safe Debris Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Electrical Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Integrity of Older Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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Purpose and Scope of
this Guide
Falls are the leading cause of death in the
construction industry, accounting for over
3,500 fatalities between 2003 and 2013. Falls
from roofs accounted for nearly 1,200, or
34%, of the fall deaths during that period.
Roofers encounter many hazards on the job,
including hazards associated with working
at heights and from ladders, power tools,
electricity, noise, hazardous substances, and
extreme temperatures. Unless these hazards
are controlled by the employer, roofers risk
serious injury, illness and death.
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the care and safe use of ladders, scaffolds,
fall protection systems, and other
equipment they will be using on the job.
Understand the requirements of
OSHA’s Fall Protection standards at
29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, to protect
workers exposed to falls six feet or
more above a lower level.
Implement safe work practices to
reduce the possibility of falls.
Supervise workers to ensure fall
protection equipment is used and
maintained correctly.
Lead by example. Employers, project
managers, and supervisors should
follow the rules they are responsible
for enforcing.
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For additional information on what must be
included in fall protection training, see 29 CFR
1926.503 – Training Requirements.
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A personal fall arrest system is designed to
safely stop a fall before the worker strikes a
lower level. It has three major components:
A. An anchorage to which the lanyard’s
snap hook is attached.
B. A full-body harness worn by the worker.
C. A connector, such as a lanyard or lifeline,
linking the harness to the anchorage.
Personal fall arrest systems typically use a
shock-absorbing lanyard, a self-retracting
lifeline, or a deceleration device.
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Rescue of Workers
Employers need a plan for rescuing workers
in the event of a fall whenever personal fall
arrest systems are used. A personal fall arrest
system can save a life; however, a medical
emergency, such as suspension trauma, can
develop if the fallen worker is not rescued
quickly. A fallen worker may not be able to
reach a safe work surface without assistance.
The availability of rescue personnel, ladders
or other rescue equipment should be
evaluated prior to starting the job. Employers
need to ensure supervisors and workers
are trained on how to get the fallen worker
to safety. Rescues must be done promptly
(29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20)) and safely to prevent
further injury.
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system, or warning line system and safety
monitoring system. Or, on roofs 50 feet
(15.25 m) or less in width, the use of a safety
monitoring system alone is permitted (29 CFR
1926.501(b)(10)). The safety monitor is always a
competent person (29 CFR 1926.500(b)).
Covers
Employers can use covers to protect workers
from falling through skylights and other
holes/openings on roofs (29 CFR 1926.501(b)
(4)(i)). If used the covers shall:
All Ladders
Ladders can give roofers a convenient way to
access upper work levels. Extension ladders
and stepladders are the two most common
types of ladders on roofing job sites.
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Worker Position on a Ladder
As a good practice, employers should
train workers to maintain three points of
contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet
and a hand) at all times when ascending or
descending a ladder. Additionally, workers
must not carry anything that could cause
them to lose their balance and fall (29 CFR
1926.1053(b)(22)). (Workers can put tools in a
bucket and use a rope to pull them up to the
working level.)
Extension Ladders
Employers must ensure that non-self-
supporting ladders are set at an angle so the
horizontal distance between the top support
and the foot of the ladder is approximately
one-quarter the working length of the ladder
(a 1:4 ratio) (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5)(i)). (The
working length of the ladder is the distance
along the ladder between the foot and the top
support.) The side rails of the ladder generally
must extend at least 3 feet above the upper
landing surface that the worker is trying
to access (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1)). When
such an extension is not possible because
of the ladder’s length, the ladder must be
secured at its top to a rigid support that will
not deflect and a grasping device, such as a
grabrail, must be provided to assist workers
in mounting and dismounting the ladder.
Stepladders
Employers need to ensure that workers
use stepladders in the fully open position.
Workers must not use the top or the top step
of a stepladder as a step; doing so could lead
to serious injury (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(13)).
Scaffolding
Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified
person and must be constructed and loaded in
accord with that design (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(6)).
Access
Workers are most vulnerable to fall hazards
when climbing on or off a scaffold. Therefore,
employers need to provide safe scaffold
access. When scaffold platforms are more than
2 feet above or below a point of access, workers
must use portable ladders, hook-on ladders,
attachable ladders, stair towers, stairway-
type ladders, ramps, walkways, integral pre-
fabricated scaffold access, or direct access
from another scaffold, structure, personnel
hoist or similar surface (29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1)).
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Platform
Employers must ensure that each platform
on all working levels of scaffolds are fully
planked or decked between the front uprights
and the guardrail supports as per 29 CFR
1926.451(b)(1). The space between adjacent
platform units and the space between the
platform and the uprights must be no more
than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, except where the
employer can demonstrate that a wider space
is necessary (29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)(i)).
Guardrails
Employers must ensure that workers on a
scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level
are protected from falls (29 CFR 1926.451(g)
(1)). Employers often use guardrails to provide
this protection.
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Training
Employers must designate a qualified person
to train workers how to recognize and control
the hazards associated with the type of
scaffold being used (29 CFR 1926.454(a)).
Lifts
Aerial Lifts
Employers can use aerial lifts to enable
workers to work at the edge of a roof while
standing in the lift basket. Employers must
only permit authorized workers to operate
extensible and articulating boom platforms
(29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(ii)). Employers must
ensure that the controls for extending and
articulating arms are tested daily before use
All-Terrain Forklifts
All-terrain forklifts are covered under 29 CFR
1926.602(c). Employers use these vehicles
for raising equipment and materials to the
roof and, in conjunction with manufacturer-
approved man-baskets, to raise workers
(29 CFR 1926.602(c)(1)(ii)). When elevating
workers, a safety platform firmly secured to
the lifting carriage and/or forks must be used
(29 CFR 1926.602(c)(1)(viii)(A)).
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without putting workers at risk. As an added
benefit, this practice makes the cleanup
process more efficient.
Electrical Safety
Most electrocutions involving roofers usually
result from contact with overhead powerlines
(service drops are the most common).
Workers can also be exposed to potential
electrocution hazards by contacting electrical
conduit that may be buried in old roofing
material that must be removed. Employers
must protect workers from electrical hazards
by de-energizing the circuits, grounding, or by
guarding it effectively by insulation (29 CFR
1926.416(a)(1)).
Roofing Operations
Built-up Roofing
While hot tar built-up roofing represents a
small percentage of residential work, it is
used often in commercial roofing.
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Torch Applied Roofing
Torch applied roofing uses an open flame
system that can reach temperatures of
2,000°F at the torch end. When heat from
the torch is improperly applied to the roofing
ply, it can conduct enough heat to ignite
combustible materials underneath, such
as wood decking or trusses, without the
knowledge of the roofer. Preconstruction
surveys, following the ply manufacturer’s
application techniques, and posting a fire
watch can prevent a catastrophic loss and
personal injury from fires. Regular fire-watch
inspections should be done throughout
the day by a competent person and for a
minimum of two hours starting when the last
torch is extinguished on a roof. Inspections
should include the roof’s entire field,
flashings and the underside of the roof deck.
Single-ply Roofing
While there are some single-ply roofing
applications that involve hot work, most
applications of single-ply roofing use solvent-
based adhesives. These adhesives are
usually highly flammable. Employers need to
ensure that open flames and smoking are not
permitted while these adhesives are used.
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Typical PPE Used with Various
Roofing Tools and Equipment
• Nail guns: Wear hearing protection and eye
protection. Also use safety devices that
prevent the nail gun from discharging unless
it is in contact with the work surface. Avoid
carrying the nail gun against the body, or with
a finger on the trigger, or while connected to
the air compressor.
See Publication on Nail Guns on OSHA’s
website at: www.osha.gov/doc/topics/nailgun
• Generator/air compressor: Wear hearing
protection and eye protection while working
near the equipment.
• Compressed air: Wear hearing protection and
eye protection. Also use a whip check or wire
connections to prevent separation. Confirm that
the pressure is adjusted appropriately for the tool.
• Shingle stripper (manual): Wear proper
footwear and eye protection.
• Tin snips: Wear work gloves and safety glasses.
Discard waste or scrap metal appropriately.
• Power saw: Wear hearing protection, eye
protection, and work gloves. Ensure that
blades are sharp and that guards are in place
and functioning correctly.
• Working near mobile equipment or traffic:
Wear high-visibility clothing (e.g., vest).
• Unprotected work at heights 6 feet or greater:
Use fall arrest or fall restraint equipment.
• Hazardous substance present: Wear an
appropriate respirator1 if permissible dust,
mist, or fume levels are exceeded.
• General: Employers must determine when it
is appropriate for workers to wear hard hats,
safety glasses, and work boots. Additionally,
workers should know how to inspect the PPE
and put it on so that it will protect them from the
hazards they could encounter at the work site.
1
Workers who are required to wear respirators
must be covered by a respiratory protection
program and meet other requirements of
29 CFR 1926.103 and 29 CFR 1910.134 –
Respiratory Protection.
Housekeeping
Effective housekeeping will help keep the
worksite organized and minimize hazards that
may cause workers to trip or fall. Specifically,
watch for loose cords and air hoses that can
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General Duty to Protect
Workers from Other Hazards
Roofers are routinely exposed to the elements,
which means there is often a threat of
overexposure to hot or cold conditions, the
sun, or stinging or biting insects. Employers
have a duty to protect workers from recognized
serious hazards on the job site (Section 5(a)(1)
of the Occupational Safety and Health Act).
Heat Illnesses
Every year, thousands of workers become
sick from occupational heat exposure,
and some even die. These illnesses and
deaths are preventable. Symptoms of heat
illnesses include:
■■ Throbbing headache
■■ Dizziness and light-headedness
■■ Lack of sweating despite the heat
■■ Red, hot, and dry skin
■■ Muscle weakness or cramps
■■ Nausea and vomiting
■■ Rapid heartbeat, which may be either
strong or weak
■■ Rapid, shallow breathing
■■ Behavioral changes such as confusion,
disorientation, or staggering
■■ Seizures
■■ Unconsciousness
Cold Stress
Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold
temperatures can cause serious health
problems such as trench foot, frostbite and
hypothermia. In extreme cases, including
cold water immersion, exposure can lead to
death. Employers need to train workers how
to recognize the danger signs of cold stress,
which can include uncontrolled shivering,
slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue,
and confused behavior. If these signs are
observed, workers should know how to get
emergency help.
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Workers’ Rights
Workers have the right to:
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Free On-site Safety and Health
Consultation Services for Small
Business
OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers
free and confidential advice to small and
medium-sized businesses in all states across
the country, with priority given to high-hazard
worksites. Each year, responding to requests
from small employers looking to create or
improve their safety and health management
programs, OSHA’s On-site Consultation
Program conducts over 29,000 visits to small
business worksites covering over 1.5 million
workers across the nation.
■■ Brochures/booklets;
■■ Fact Sheets;
■■ Guidance documents that provide detailed
examinations of specific safety and health
issues;
■■ Online Safety and Health Topics pages;
■■ Posters;
■■ Small, laminated QuickCards™
that provide brief safety and health
information; and
■■ QuickTakes, OSHA’s free, twice-monthly
online newsletter with the latest news
about OSHA initiatives and products to
assist employers and workers in finding and
preventing workplace hazards. To sign up for
QuickTakes visit www.osha.gov/quicktakes.
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OSHA’s web site also has information on job
hazards and injury and illness prevention for
employers and workers. To learn more about
OSHA’s safety and health resources online,
visit www.osha.gov. Use the A-Z index to help
find information and assistance.
Region II
New York Regional Office
(NJ*, NY*, PR*, VI*)
201 Varick Street, Room 670
New York, NY 10014
(212) 337-2378 (212) 337-2371 Fax
Region III
Philadelphia Regional Office
(DE, DC, MD*, PA, VA*, WV)
The Curtis Center
170 S. Independence Mall West
Suite 740 West
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309
(215) 861-4900 (215) 861-4904 Fax
Region IV
Atlanta Regional Office
(AL, FL, GA, KY*, MS, NC*, SC*, TN*)
61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50
Atlanta, GA 30303
(678) 237-0400 (678) 237-0447 Fax
Region V
Chicago Regional Office
(IL*, IN*, MI*, MN*, OH, WI)
230 South Dearborn Street
Room 3244
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353-2220 (312) 353-7774 Fax
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Region VI
Dallas Regional Office
(AR, LA, NM*, OK, TX)
525 Griffin Street, Room 602
Dallas, TX 75202
(972) 850-4145 (972) 850-4149 Fax
(972) 850-4150 FSO Fax
Region VII
Kansas City Regional Office
(IA*, KS, MO, NE)
Two Pershing Square Building
2300 Main Street, Suite 1010
Kansas City, MO 64108-2416
(816) 283-8745 (816) 283-0547 Fax
Region VIII
Denver Regional Office
(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT*, WY*)
Cesar Chavez Memorial Building
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 551
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 264-6550 (720) 264-6585 Fax
Region IX
San Francisco Regional Office
(AZ*, CA*, HI*, NV*, and American Samoa,
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands)
90 7th Street, Suite 18100
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 625-2547 (415) 625-2534 Fax
Region X
Seattle Regional Office
(AK*, ID, OR*, WA*)
300 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1280
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 757-6700 (206) 757-6705 Fax
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How to Contact OSHA
For questions or to get information or advice,
to report an emergency, report a fatality or
catastrophe, order publications, sign up for
OSHA’s e-newsletter QuickTakes, or to file a
confidential complaint, contact your nearest
OSHA office, visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA
at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.